USC Aiken picks new vice chancellor

The University of South Carolina Aiken has named Joseph Sobieralski its new vice chancellor for business and finance.

Sobieralski – who most recently served as the director of business and finance, auxiliary enterprises and university life, at George Mason University in Virginia – has a wealth of experience in higher education and private industry, according to a USC Aiken news release. He fills the role previously held by Ginger Hudock, who recently retired. Sobieralski has served at George Mason in various roles for more than seven years, held financial roles in companies specializing in health care and consumer products, and was the assistant to the associate athletics director for business with the University of South Carolina’s Athletics Department from 1999 to 2003.

Sobieralski holds a Master of Accountancy degree from USC, a Bachelor of Science in accounting from USC’s Moore School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in sports and entertainment management from USC’s College of Hospitality, Retails and Sports Management. Sobieralski also has past adjunct teaching experience at George Mason.

“Joe will be a great addition to our senior administration,” USC Aiken Chancellor Tom Hallman said in the release. “He brings significant experience in many areas of collegiate operations, and is well positioned to learn about those aspects of the job that will be new to him. Additionally, he is enthusiastic about the prospect of coming to Aiken, and we look forward to his arrival on Dec. 1, 2011.”

Monty Fetterolf, the chairman of the search committee that selected Sobieralski, said: “Many on the search committee noted Mr. Sobieralski’s energy and enthusiasm as very positive aspects, and his background in budgeting and finance is very solid. His interaction with individuals on campus was pleasant and professional.”

Sobieralski said he looks forward to being part of the USC Aiken team and continuing the university’s tradition of strong business and financial management.

“I am grateful to Chancellor Hallman, and everyone involved in the search, for this opportunity, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff and members of the Aiken community to continue moving USC Aiken forward and making it a pacesetter for the next 50 years.”

He added: “My family and I are thankful for all of the experiences at George Mason University, and we will miss our mentors, colleagues and friends there. However, this opportunity was too good for us to pass up, and we are very excited about returning to South Carolina, the USC system, and becoming USC Aiken Pacers. We look forward to making Aiken our home and becoming involved in the USCA and local communities.”